Preparedness When You're Broke
Preparedness is not only for people with money. Most of the highest-value steps cost nothing. No shame, no blame — one item a week is still progress.
Key takeaways
- Start with information, not shopping.
- Free steps come first: water containers, a charged phone, numbers on paper.
- Use food banks and outreach before a crisis day.
Step-by-step
- Start free. Information is free. Learn the basics, save clean containers for water, and keep your phone charged whenever you can.
- Write it down. Write key phone numbers on paper so you have them even if your phone dies or is lost.
- Carry small comforts. Carry snacks when you can and keep a dry pair of socks — small things that protect your body and mood.
- Use community supports. Visit food banks before you run out, and ask outreach workers, churches, and community programs for help building a kit from donated items.
- One step at a time. One item a week is still progress. There is no shame in this — you're doing the work that matters.
✅ Printable checklist
- Saved containers for water
- Phone charged when possible
- Numbers written on paper
- Snacks carried when possible
- Food bank visit before crisis
- Dry socks kept handy
- One useful item added this week